How To Do a Sock Bun

Published Sep 09, 2013

We already showed you how to create big, beautiful buns. While the DIY sock bun may seem intimidating, it's actually one of the easiest—and quickest!—techniques to boost the volume of your topknot. Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce have all rocked the polished wrap for big events, and the elegant style works everywhere from the red carpet to the weekend. Why not try this sock bun tutorial for yourself!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1 sock

A pair of scissors

Bobby pins

Any sock made from a thinner fabric will work. Opt for a brown or taupe shade (something that resembles your hair color, although it doesn’t have to be an exact match) as a white or a bright-colored sock might peek through your strands and give away your bun’s secret.

STEP 1: CREATE SOCK DOUGHNUT AND PONYTAIL

Cut off the toe area of the sock, and roll the fabric tube from the inside out into a doughnut shape. Pull hair back into a high ponytail and secure with elastic at the crown.

STEP 2: PUT DOUGHNUT ON PONY, THEN TUCK AND ROLL

Place the sock doughnut around the base of the ponytail and pull all of your hair through the hole. Then, pull the doughnut from the base of the head all the way to the ends of your pony.

Starting from the end of your pony, begin tucking and rolling the ends around sock doughnut. You should use the same motion you used to roll up the sock in the first step—flip the bottom side of the doughnut upward from the inside out with both hands. While you tuck and roll, try to disperse hair evenly all the way around the doughnut, but don't worry about completely covering it. Your hair will naturally spread out as you work.

STEP 3: ROLL SOCK DOWN TO BASE

Continue to slowly roll the sock (along with your hair) down the ponytail until you reach the base. As you roll, tuck loose strands underneath the doughnut. When you reach the base, fill in gaps in the bun’s structure by gently spreading hair out.

STEP 4: SECURE HAIR WITH BOBBY PINS

Tidy up loose ends and strands by pinning them around the base. To make the bun fuller, gently tug and tease strands from the center portion of the bun outward.

You're ready to go!

What do you think of our How to Do a Sock Bun Tutorial? Make sure to post a photo of your bun down below in the comments!